I've been doing a bit more research, the Kodiak looks pretty awesome too if you want the pick axe function. Though I'm still with my original choice.

It's amazing how many design features you can fit into a shovel (and how important some of them seem to be).

The G3 AviTech was tempting me briefly. But the Beast is easier to source where I am and seems comparable in a few key ways and a solid choice.

Probe wise, I havent found any option recommended more frequently (by europeans) than the Ortovox. I also haven't seen any carbon probes for sale locally of 3+m but most will take a 40mm or 60mm extension piece. So going to stick with that option too and probably get the 40mm extension. Seems a sensible compromise of all the considerations raised.